John Wick Chapter 4 (2023)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Donnie Yen, Ian McShane
Primary genre: Neo-noir
Secondary genre: Action
Third genre: Thriller
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Despite an early warning sign that saw the departure of Derek Colstad (who penned all previous flicks), “John Wick Chapter 4” dispels the reservations we have for a long standing franchise about story fatigue and cash grabbing choices (e.g., “The Matrix Resurrections” (2021), “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger’s Tides” (2011) in the same way that George Miller did with his “Mad Max Fury Road” (2015). The creative team behind John Wick’s unique cinematic voice have crafted and delivered not only the best of the series but easily one of the finest action films in history.
Although the plot does not extend beyond John’s quest to free himself from the much discussed High Table by gathering a few allies and facing a plethora of new enemies, there is enough expansion of this world’s lore and mythology to keep things fresh. Not one to waste time supplying unnecessary exposition or to go through already known information, “Chapter 4” might be three hours long, yet it never (if rarely) loses momentum, setting up the next sequence and its (usually bloody) outcome with panache and respect for the audience’s intelligence while springling beautiful snippets of visual storytelling. The script’s attempts to branch out globally (i.e., New York, Osaka, Berlin, Paris) under the luscious production design of Kevin Kavanaugh and the splendid cinematography of Dan Laustsen highlight Wick’s fourth entry as his most vibrant and multi-cultural adventure that would make Daniel Craig’s James Bond blush.
Avoiding the mistakes that converted the “Fast and the Furious” (2001-2023) into a cacophony of special effects, story rectification and parodical performances, “Chapter 4” gives the stoic and beloved assassin a fitting end in his personal Odyssey of grief and anger. The screenwriters write a surprisingly meaningful closing (?) epilogue for the pop culture icon that is Mr Wick reflected by a parochially rich score which will become more rewarding after a few years.
Key supporting players are not set up as excuses for action but carry relevant substance for the consistent every-action-has-a-consequence theme not only for the Baba Yaga himself but for his friends (and enemies) too echoing a Greek tragedy. The delightfully Machiavellian Marquis Vincent de Gramont played with gusto by Bill Skarsgard, is the one who sets this story into motion by going after those who helped John with all his resources, power and henchmen forcing several characters to act demonstrating simultaneously their inability to escape this inevitable circle of death and vengeance. The more they fight, the deeper they sink in the mud.
Ian McShane shows a more nuanced Winston in an unexpectedly touching portrayal of the once mighty NYC continental manager and Rina Sawayama marks a strong big screen debut. Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada provide additional emotional variety, treating characters of Asian background not as gratified stereotypes of mystical exposition but as capable individuals whose choices emphasize wonderful dynamic opposition both hinting at a deeper bond of mutual friendship with the Wick persona. While Sanada is the definition of Zen cool, Yen’s blind Caine has a unique style of fighting (and acting) all the while maintaining his sense of humor and earning the actor the much needed break in the West. A spin off seems inevitable.
Director Chad Stahelski might have been a stunt man in his early days but he brings forward Akira Kurosawa’s framing confidence, Sergio Leone’s intensity and Walter Hill’s urban brush (watch out for “The Warriors” (1978) homage). He worships with religious vigor his gorgeous composition which can directly compete against a Yimou or a Kar-wai interjecting Western nods at every turn (pay close attention to the score) and doses of refined black humor. Stahelski, a man who admires and clearly adores this genre, takes the action medium and elevates it in a hyper stylized and exquisitely (and dangerously) choreographed mayhem genuinely asking whether it can become art. If John Woo could do it four decades ago who says he can’t do the same?
With videogames serving as a source of inspiration and ambition (e.g., “Hotline Miami” (2012)) where each level has an increasing difficulty, “Chapter 4” spotlights truly inventive set pieces under a terrific soundtrack (e.g., Le Castle Vania, Justice(!)) rendering those attempts from every Disney and Marvel output pedestrian in comparison. A thrilling Osaka confrontation homages every single martial art with the best nunchaku usage since Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon” (1973); a club brawl is an extravagant version of The Red Circle featuring the legendary Scott Adkins in a fat suit; a spectacular face off around the Arc of Triumph sees goons fly left and right due to incoming traffic; a practical top-down shootout will become the most talked scene of the year while an absurdist staircase free-for-all replaces Donkey Kong’s barrels with an unlimited number of goons and plenty of breathtaking stunt coordination.
But all the above would not matter if it was not for the man himself, Keanu Reeves. Slipping effortlessly in a role that deals with internal grief and anger, Keanu gives easily his best stoic (and physical) performance to date making Wick … ticking even in the moments where he merely mutters a word; “yeah” and “Not really” are some examples of why less means more. Visually synonymous to the black suit worn icon, he shows a humble and applaudable commitment to the genre which should be commended and frankly, awarded for…surviving Stahelski’s ordeal placing the beloved actor on the pantheon of action stars who pushed the envelope with his body of work.
Having breaking the curse of shameless cash grabbing sequels, “John Wick Chapter 4” demonstrates a sincere emotional maturity and respect for its characters and world. Deprived by modern toxic identity politics and strictly wishes to keep this cinematic mythology intact, this fourquel aims for a spot among the all time greats of action. Its A+ craftmanship, ingenuine set-pieces, stupendous production design, state-of-the-art cinematography, breathtaking stuntwork and a relatable anti-hero make “John Wick Chapter 4” an action masterpiece that will galvanize your eyes with its multi-layered spectacle. If this is indeed the end, “Chapter 4” is the perfect and delicate balance of thrills, world building and emotional investment. See this ASAP.
An exhilarating action masterpiece
+Appropriate send off for the world’s most beloved assassin
+Emotionally matured entry
+Keanu’s best performance to date
+Outstanding cinematography
+Set design is sensational
+Fantastic soundtrack
+Best action in years
+Excellent supporting cast
+Especially Yen, McShane and Sanada
-Three hour long running time might be tiring for some